Lucerne, Switzerland
Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Five-generation lakeside landmark
Five-generation lakeside landmark
Five generations of the Hauser family have guided this 1845 grand hotel, giving its lakeside halls the easy warmth of a family home.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
The 1845 lakeside landmark where Richard Wagner composed part of Tristan und Isolde.
Remarkable
Continuously operated by five generations of the Hauser family since the nineteenth century.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Sitting right on the edge of Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is rather impressively still run by the fifth generation of the Hauser family, who originally opened the hotel back in 1845.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Lake Lucerne's promenade sits right outside, and Chapel Bridge and the pedestrian Old Town are a five-minute walk away.
The rooms
Rooms are designed around illustrious past guests like Mark Twain and Leo Tolstoy, and many look out across Lake Lucerne.
The saunas
A wood-lined Finnish sauna with starry ceiling lights sits beside a bio sauna and mosaic experience showers.
Gym and massage
Dedicated treatment rooms host daily massage therapy on the fifth floor, beside a gym overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Restaurant
Brasserie VICO
The dining room serves French brasserie classics and Swiss dishes beneath historic stucco ceilings and crystal chandeliers.
The best views also happen to come with the best service at the Hotel Schweizerhof, which marries poppy, colorful rooms with glamorous common areas that immediately transport guests to classic Europe.
Schweizerhof Bar
The bar hosts regular Argentine tango nights with a live dance floor, serving classic cocktails to guests and locals.
How it began
Brothers Gottfried, Albert, and Adolf Hauser bought the hotel in 1861, adding a grand ballroom praised by French Empress Eugénie four years later.
Lucerne
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.